10 Easy Tips To Keep Ants Off Your Houston Property

The issue with ants is that depending on what species is infesting your Houston home, there may be a lot of cause for concern, or it could simply be a minor annoyance. That’s because the damage and harm inflicted by ants run the gamut from simple nuisance to severe and costly property damage and everything in between. The fact of the matter is this: no matter what species of ant it is, you don’t want it invading your Houston property. As such, you need to know some simple ant-prevention techniques to keep these pests out.

Identifying Common Area Ants

Ants vary in color and size depending on their species; however, all ants have segmented bodies, six legs, and antennae. Additionally, while many of the ants that you might encounter are only nuisance pests, there are a few more dangerous ant species common to the Houston area including carpenter ants, fire ants, and pharaoh ants.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are larger ants that tend to be black, red, yellow, or a combination of the three. They are called carpenter ants because they build their nest galleries inside of wood which means they can potentially cause a lot of damage to homes if they get inside. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood so they usually don’t do as much damage, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore an infestation from these ants.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are reddish-brown and are smaller in size. However, don’t let their small size fool you. These aggressive ants produce painful stings that result in a burning sensation which is where they get their name.

Pharaoh Ants

Pharaoh ants are pale yellow or light brown; however, they often have darker abdomens. The issue with pharaoh ants is their colonies can be hard to eliminate if they infest your home. That’s because they can split their large colonies and form new ones seemingly at a moment’s notice.

Threats Posed By Ants

As previously stated, most of the ants you encounter will probably be nuisance pests. However, ants like carpenter ants can cause quite a bit of damage if their infestations are left unchecked. Additionally, pharaoh ants can cause damage to electronics and power sources. On top of this, all ants are capable of spreading contaminants throughout homes. They can contaminate countertops, dishes, and even food if it is improperly stored. Overall, it doesn’t matter what species of ant you are dealing with; you don’t want them in your home.

All Around Ant Prevention Techniques

When it comes to ant prevention, the goal is to both remove anything that might attract ants into your home and to take away any possible entry points through which ants may enter into your house. The top ten prevention techniques include:

1. Store all food in air-tight containers or the fridge.
2. Wipe up any spills from counters and floors immediately.
3. Refrain from stacking dirty dishes in the sink for long periods.
4. Take out the trash regularly.
5. Store trash in bins with tight-sealing lids.
6. Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures in your home.
7. Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home.
8. Install weather stripping around windows and doors.
9. Install door sweeps under all exterior doors.
10. Install screens on windows and exterior doors.

The Best Ant Prevention And Treatment Solution

If you have any further questions about ant prevention, or if you are currently dealing with an ant infestation, contact the professionals here at Cantu Pest & Termite. Our trained pest professionals have the experience and the expertise required to effectively eliminate any ant infestation with which you are dealing. Don’t let ants overrun your home; call us now to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control.